8 Awesome Ways that Copywriters can use the Ctrl+F Function (Find Words on a Page)

Regular web writer, word weaver or talented storysmith?

Are you aware that clicking "ctrl" and "F" at the exact same time does something that will change your world when it comes to writing, proofing and editing? Namely using these two keys together brings up a little search box that not only facilitates a search for on page items i.e searching "and" will show you all the instances of the word, but also allows you to toggle through a list of every time the phrase or item appears on the page!

This can be immensely useful, That's why I've made this quick list of some of the ways I'm using this magical tool and more that I've begun to use to improve my end results, ensuring my copy is in tiptop condition every time it goes out to clients.

Here goes:

1. Find the answer you're looking for. Fast.

Search through your document to find the keyword that you're looking for. This is the main function of the tool and it's useful for seeing where something specific you wrote about is.

2. Find the important bits in terms and conditions and legal contracts, among other important documents - such as Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Self-explanatory. This may take some guesswork depending on the type of document but typing words like 'scope', 'payment' or 'terms' can help you to review the conditions and important parts of the agreement or serious doc that you're reading.

3. Find repeated incorrect spellings and phrases.

If it comes to light after your first drafts that a word you've been using is incorrect, for example you've been misspelling a name, across the document, the search for the word. Then you can either remove it one by one or change every instance all at once.

4. Find typos that are common to you.

If you know typos that are ingrained in your writing style it's useful to use the ctrl+F function to search the phrase and make the necessary change. I believe the feature is also used to discover extra, unnecessary spaces.

5. Investigate keyword density for multiple purposes.

Do you know what the primary keyword is for the piece you're writing or the webpage copy you're crafting? Then use ctrl+F to skim through and check how many times it's used. If it's in your work too often, then you'll know where to keep it and where to delete it. Easy.

6. Check punctuation for grammar and flow purposes.

Commonly miss full stops? Or perhaps you've decided for the homepage there are going to be no full stops for bulleted lists? Then search the punctuation that you've put in to delete it where or necessary. Search your work to check if your ... is .... , for example. You can check all kinds of punctuation, so if commas are something you frequently get wrong you can correct your work effortlessly.

7. Check the numbers in your copy.

Similarly, you can also search the numbers in your copy. If you've been writing the wrong statistic or you've changed the data you've been using for that whitepaper. Don't fret. A simple trick to ensure you find every instance of that wrong stat is to ctrl+F it. This way of using the command is useful in all sorts of ways, from checking list orders to checking if your 'wow' figures that are selling your idea are correct or even believable/accurate.

8. Make editorial changes to a recurring word

Another problem is having a commonly used word that editors or associates are dead against using. To make the switch to the more popular word, trying using ctrl+F to complete changes quicker. This is also useful if you use certain words too often. I'm a frequent "and" abuser as I have it in some of my paragraphs in every sentence. One way to improve my copy through the ctrl+F function is to reduce the andness in my copy.

That's it for now. Please look out for other helpful tips articles in future. Please reach out to me if you're looking for some copy or content guidance. Thanks!!!